AboutStephen Vantassel Expertise I was a professional animal damage controller. If you are having problems with squirrels, raccoons, beavers, moles, voles, etc. damaging your property, I can help give you information to resolve that damage. I was an assistant editor for Wildlife Control Technology magazine and have published numerous articles as well as two books in this field.
Experience former Assistant Editor of Wildlife Control Technology magazine, the nation's only exclusive professional magazine for animal damage controllers. I have published two books, the Wildlife Removal Handbook and the Wildlife Damage Inspection Handbook.
Expert: Stephen Vantassel Date: 5/16/2008 Subject: uprooted plants in pots
Question QUESTION: I have just planted 19 large pots with annuals. I returned home he next day and founf one po entirel excavated and another partially excavated. I am assuming this was done by squirrels since the pots are too tall for rabbit damage and we do not have deer (yet!). Any ideas as to how I can prevent or control this? Would mothballs work, or would they damage the plants??
ANSWER: What not to do!! Don’t bother with those silly ultrasonic devices. There is no scientific evidence that they work in the real world. Repellents also have limited use in transient damage unless they are eating the product. To learn why visit http://www.icwdm.org/ControlMethods/repellents.asp Also you shouldn’t use repellents on items you plan to eat.
That leaves two other possibilities.
1. Enclose your plants with hardware cloth (NOT CHICKEN WIRE). Use ¼ inch or ½ inch. stake it down over the top of the plants as you certainly know squirrels can climb. For larger areas, installing fence with an electric polytape line around the top (if legal in your area) can stop squirrels from climbing over.
option 2. population reduction.
For most homeowners, the easiest way to control squirrels is to trap them. Cage traps 5x5x24 inch single door traps are the absolute minimum sizes. Larger cage traps can of course be used. The danger in trapping during the early spring is that any young that may have been born, will die if you remove the mother. There may be an odor as they start to decay (can’t say for sure as there are too many variables). To avoid this potential risk read below. The reason why many people fail at trapping is they neglect to use enough traps and thereby educate the others.
Before starting any trapping program you should make sure you know the laws in your area. Some states permit the translocation of wildlife, others like Massachusetts do not. To find your state’s agency click http://icwdm.org/agencies/StateAgencies.asp Don’t think that translocation of wildlife is necessarily more humane than simply euthanizing the animal. An animal that is moved from its native area has to 1. find a new home 2. find new food and water sources 3. while avoiding predators and 4 do so before nightfall or daybreak (depending on species) so that it doesn’t freeze to death etc. Translocation also stresses the resident population because you now introduced a newcomer who has to fight for territory. Not to mention any potential diseases that the newcomer may bring to the locale or contract from the new area. For information on the problems with translocation, visit http://icwdm.org/wildlife/euthanasia/relocation.asp For euthanasia information click http://icwdm.org/wildlife/euthanasia/default.asp
If I can be of further service, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
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Disclaimer: As with any activity, remember that animal damage control comes with its own risks and problems which can include but are not limited to legalities, health threats, and personal liabilities. Be sure to follow all state laws governing wildlife and make sure you have a thorough understanding on how to resolve the animal damage complaint. My advice is only as good as your understanding of me and my understanding of your situation. If you have any questions be sure to write back.
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QUESTION: What about the mothballs?? I don't have vegetables, only flowers. Can I mix mothballs or flakes into the soil and will this keep the small rodents away?? I can't possibly trap the squirrels around here- it would keep us busy 24/7 and we'd still have squirrels!
I think as a placebo mothballs helps lots of people feel better. It makes them feel "I'm doing something." so in that regard I am okay with that. But in terms of scientifically demonstrated effectiveness of mothballs to deter free-roaming wildlife outdoors, no way. Situations where it allegedly works runs afoul of the mistaken cause fallacy.
As for trapping, it is misunderstanding to think that total elimination of a species is the only way to eliminate damage. The fact is substantial benefits can occur with the diminution of the population. Additionally, just as cutting the grass fails to "work" because we have to mow again, so trapping does not work. The fact is, everything in nature is temporary. We mow when it is needed. So we can trap because it is needed. The advantage is trapping won't be needed every year.
I trust you don't feed birds. That is just asking for problems with squirrels. Sorry, but there is no magic in this business despite what manufacturers want us to believe.
